Clear an old computer before recycling or passing it on

Back up first

Before you erase anything, save what you need. Use Windows Backup or copy files to an external drive or cloud storage, then open a few of the copied files on another device to make sure the backup actually works. Export browser bookmarks and note any software licence keys you will need again.

Reset and unlink

In Windows, open Settings, then System, then Recovery, and choose Reset PC, selecting the options that remove your files. Afterwards, sign in at account.microsoft.com/devices, find the computer and remove it from your account, then unlink it so it no longer counts towards your device limit.

Sign out of other services that remember devices too, such as your email provider and any cloud storage.

• Files backed up and the backup checked.
• PC reset with your files removed.
• Device removed and unlinked from your Microsoft account.
• Other services signed out or the device removed from them.
• Any separate drives or memory cards removed or cleared.

Why sanitising matters

Deleting files is not the same as making them unrecoverable. The goal of sanitising a drive is to make access to the data infeasible for a given level of effort. For a personal laptop, a full reset that removes your files is the practical minimum; for drives that held sensitive business data, ask a specialist about stronger methods or physical destruction.

Recycle responsibly

Johannesburg's waste utility, Pikitup, is working to divert electronic waste such as old computers, cellphones, televisions and radios away from landfill, and is training cooperatives to dismantle electronics and recover materials such as copper, silver and gold. Ask the recycler or retailer you use how they handle devices and whether they accept batteries. Keep a note of what you handed in and when.